Inside sources have suggested that General Motors is in the process of negotiating with Google to potentially develop an all-new telematics system – aimed at competing with Ford-Microsoft’s highly successful Sync system. Rumors suggest that the telematics system would be based on the Android operating system from Google’s recent foray into the wireless industry.
According to a report from Truck Trend, GM has hopes to team up with Google to create a telematics system capable of rivaling the highly popular Sync system being offered by its cross-town rival, Ford.
Should the report be accurate, a GM-Google partnership could provide for one of the most anticipated four party rivalries in the industry, with GM and Ford squaring off with the help of already intense rivalries existing between Microsoft and Google. The net result, however, could be an edgier telematics system for GM that would offer the user-friendly benefits currently found in Ford’s Sync technology.
Truck Trend also suggests that the GM-Google program would potentially provide for advanced and exclusive abilities such as remote access to vehicle for opening, and/or starting vehicles – a technology not bundled with Ford Sync. The system would also potentially conflict with GM’s current system, OnStar, as the two programs would compete for priority for navigation. Due to GM’s fee-based service for OnStar, the issue could potentially stall or kill talks completely should a compromise not be found.
Ultimately, the partnership could provide for a renewed sense of urgency for Ford and all other automakers to remain vigilantly committed to continuous development of advanced telematics interface systems.
References
1. ‘GM and Google partnership could…’ view
